Brain scans aim to unlock secrets of autism and depression
NCT ID NCT06821646
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study uses brain scans and magnetic stimulation to compare brain activity in 160 adults with autism, depression, both, or neither. Researchers want to understand how brain inflammation and the balance of excitation and inhibition relate to social and emotional symptoms. No treatments are tested; the goal is to learn more about the brain in these conditions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal how brain inflammation and excitation-inhibition imbalance relate to social difficulties in autism and depression, pointing toward future treatment targets.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly improve symptoms, and findings may not lead to new therapies for years, if at all.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 160 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
National Taiwan University Hospital
- Ages
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20 to 50 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Autism group : Adults aged 20-50 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder。Intelligence Quotient(IQ) \> 70, with autonomous abilities. * Autism group with comorbid depression : Adults aged 20-50 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Diagnosed with depression. IQ \> 70. Not on antidepressants for at least one week, with autonomous abilities. * Major depression disorder group : Adults aged 20-50. Diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR(DSM-IV-TR). IQ \> 70. Not on antidepressants for at least one week, with autonomous abilities. * Typically developing control group : Adults aged 20-50. Never diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Never diagnosed with depression. IQ \> 70, with autonomous abilities. Exclusion Criteria: * Previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or substance use disorder according to DSM-IV. * Previously suffered from major medical or neurological diseases. * Brain structural abnormalities (e.g., brain tumor or arteriovenous malformations) or neurological diseases (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, or epilepsy). * Previously undergone or soon to undergo brain surgery, or have metal implants in the head or neck area, such as neuro-stimulators or cochlear implants. * Have a cardiac pacemaker. * Pregnant participants. * Participants with strong suicidal intentions. * Other conditions that render the patient unable to cooperate, such as unsuitability after screening, unstable physical illness, or refusal to sign the informed consent. * Claustrophobia, unable to undergo positron emission tomography(PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. * Taking medications that may affect Excitatory/inhibitory balance (E/I balance).
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan
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